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You are here: Home / Books / Crime and Cat-astrophes (A Purr-fect Relic Cozy Mystery) by DeAnna Drake | Guest Post

February 10, 2025 · Leave a Comment

Crime and Cat-astrophes (A Purr-fect Relic Cozy Mystery) by DeAnna Drake | Guest Post

Books· Cozy Mystery

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Welcome to my stop on the Great Escapes Virtual Book Tour for  Crime and Cat-astrophes (A Purr-fect Relic Cozy Mystery) by DeAnna Drake. Stop by each blog on the tour for interviews, guest posts, spotlights, reviews and more!

Crime and Cat-astrophes (A Purr-fect Relic Cozy Mystery)
by DeAnna Drake

Crime and Cat-astrophes (A Purr-fect Relic Cozy Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
4th in Series
Setting – California
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Tule Publishing (February 12, 2025)
Print length ‏ : ‎ 199 pages

Did the professor get what he deserved, or is murder on the prowl in small-town California?

As a late-summer heat wave scorches the sleepy town of Citrus Grove, the suspicious death of a notoriously unpopular professor puts Rebecca and her talking cat, Aneksi, hot on the trail of another cursed artifact and a killer.

Police Detective Nick Devon, her dashing new flame, is following the rulebook in his investigation, but the Cuthbert Exotic Antiques manager is trusting her instincts as she follows the clues. With her grandfather distracted by an unexpected visitor—who may not be what he seems—and Aneksi rekindling a bond with a long-lost sibling, Rebecca knows she’s on her own to search for the ancient scepter that may hold the key to the dead professor’s medical miracle…and the reason behind his demise.

In this twisty tale of hidden motives, intensifying danger, and a dash of magic, Rebecca must rely on her wits—and, hopefully, Aneksi’s sharp claws—to solve the case before she becomes the cunning murderer’s next victim.

Whiskers, Mysteries, and Magic: Behind the Scenes of Crime and Cat-astrophes

By DeAnna Drake

As the author of the Purr-fect Relic Cozy Mystery series, I’ve come to realize that writing a cozy mystery is a lot like baking the perfect pie. You need the right ingredients—a pinch of intrigue, a generous helping of whimsy, and, of course, a talking cat to top it all off. For me, the writing process is a blend of discipline, inspiration, and a sprinkle of chaos (thanks to my lovable border collie, Skye, who seems to think every writing session is prime cuddle time).

Writing, Rain or Shine (and Occasionally with Dog Hugs)

My writing routine is sacred. I write five days a week, rain or shine, whether I’m at my desk or curled up on the couch with a notebook and an overenthusiastic pup at my side. My mornings usually start with a strong cup of tea (or three) and a silent promise to myself that I’ll stop procrastinating and open that document. Once I get going, the words flow…most days. On others, I find myself staring at the screen, wondering if Aneksi, Rebecca’s sweet, magical feline companion, would approve of my latest plot twist. (She probably would. Aneksi is very accommodating.)

But sometimes, even the coziest of writing nooks can’t compete with the allure of inspiration. That’s when I grab my trusty notebook and head to Old Towne Orange, the real-life inspiration behind Citrus Grove.

Soaking Up the Charm in Old Towne Orange

If you’ve ever strolled through Old Towne Orange, you’ll know it’s the epitome of charm. With its historic buildings, antique shops, and the occasional whiff of freshly baked treats wafting from local cafes, it’s impossible not to feel transported to another time. When I visit, I’m not just wandering; I’m soaking up the atmosphere that breathes life into Citrus Grove, the quaint, slightly mysterious town where Rebecca Cuthbert and Aneksi unravel their many adventures.

I’ll admit, I’ve been caught eavesdropping on conversations at the local coffee shop. It’s not my fault people in Old Towne have such fascinating lives! And yes, I’ve been known to linger too long at antique shops, imagining which cursed artifacts could be lurking among the dusty treasures. Every trip gives me fresh ideas and reminds me why I set my series in a place so rich with character and history.

Cats, Dogs, and the Amelia Peabody Effect

Growing up, I was surrounded by cats—sassy, independent, and utterly convinced they were in charge. Those feline memories have been invaluable in crafting Aneksi’s personality. But here’s a little secret: while my current household is ruled by a dog (who is too goofy to be even remotely cat-like), my childhood cats still sneak into Aneksi’s dialogue and mannerisms. If you’ve ever had a cat give you a look that says, “I’m smarter than you, and we both know it,” you’ve met Aneksi.

My love for cozy mysteries began with the late, great Elizabeth Peters and her Amelia Peabody series. Peters (the pen name for Barbara Michaels, who was a genuine Egyptologist) wove her love for history and archaeology into her books with such flair that I couldn’t help but be hooked. It’s no coincidence that Rebecca Cuthbert, my amateur sleuth and antique shop owner, is a die-hard fan of Adelaide Morris, a fictional heroine inspired by Amelia Peabody. Rebecca’s admiration for Adelaide mirrors my own for Amelia—a fearless, witty woman with a knack for solving mysteries and uncovering secrets.

A Year Full of Mysteries and Magic

This year is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in my writing journey. On February 12, 2025, the fourth book in the Purr-fect Relic Cozy Mystery series will debut, and I couldn’t be more thrilled. Rebecca and Aneksi are back, navigating another cursed artifact, a string of secrets, and, of course, a murder that only they can solve. Without giving too much away, let’s just say there’s a lot of heat in Citrus Grove—and not just because of the summer weather!

And the excitement doesn’t stop there. Two more books in the series will be released later this year, so if you’ve ever wondered what other trouble Rebecca and Aneksi can get into, stay tuned. Spoiler: it involves a little mayhem, a lot of humor, and even more heart.

Celebrate with the Crime and Cat-astrophes Giveaway

To celebrate the release of book four, I’m hosting the Big February Giveaway. It’s my way of saying thank you to the readers who’ve joined me on this whimsical journey. The prize? A fabulous assortment of story-related gifts, including some inspired by Aneksi and Rebecca’s adventures. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of cursed artifacts or just love a good mystery, this giveaway is for you. To enter, please click or copy/paste the link: https://DeAnnaDrake.com/giveaway. 

Wrapping It All Up (With a Cozy Bow)

Writing the Purr-fect Relic Cozy Mystery series has been an incredible adventure, one filled with late-night brainstorming sessions, countless cups of tea, and more than a few joyful dog interruptions. At its heart, the series is a love letter to everything I adore: the charm of small towns, the allure of antiques, and the undeniable magic of cats (talking or otherwise).

If you’ve ever dreamed of solving mysteries with a sassy feline by your side, or if you’re just looking for a cozy escape into a world where magic and mystery collide, I hope you’ll join Rebecca, Aneksi, and me in Citrus Grove. And who knows? Maybe you’ll spot me wandering Old Towne Orange, notebook in hand, dreaming up the next mystery.

Here’s to more adventures, more cozy mysteries, and, of course, more cats!

Start the series for free!

The first book in the Purr-fect Relic series—Paws, Claws, and Curses—is free Feb. 10-14, and the rest of the series is discounted, too! Click or copy/paste the link: https://www.amazon.com/Claws-Curses-Purr-fect-Relic-Mystery-ebook/dp/B0D2M32C3G

About DeAnna Drake

DeAnna Drake is an award-winning author who writes witty and whimsical cozy mysteries filled with magical animals and feisty heroines who are always striving to balance the scales of justice in an offbeat world.

When she’s not plotting new adventures for her characters, she drinks too much tea, binge-watches crime dramas, and escapes to Disneyland whenever she can.

She lives in Southern California with her family, which includes her two favorite people and one ridiculously pampered border collie.

Author Links

Website https://DeAnnaDrake.com

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deannadrakeauthor/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DeAnnaDrakeWrites

GoodReads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/42478126.DeAnna_Drake

BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/authors/deanna-drake

Purchase Link – Amazon 

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Crime and Cat-astrophes TOUR PARTICIPANTS

February 5 – Jody’s Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT  

February 5 – Frugal Freelancer – RECIPE

February 6 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT

February 6 – Eskimo Princess Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

February 7 – Read Your Writes Book Reviews – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

February 7 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT

February 8 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

February 8 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

February 9 – Sneaky the Library Cat’s Blog – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

February 10 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – AUTHOR GUEST POST

February 10 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

February 11 – Cozy Up With Kathy – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

February 11 – Sarah Can’t Stop Reading Books – REVIEW

February 12 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

February 13 – Boys’ Mom Reads! – SPOTLIGHT

February 14 – StoreyBook Reviews – CHARACTER GUEST POST

February 14 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – GUEST POST

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